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State Parks Commission seeks members for winter recreation committee

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is looking for winter sports enthusiasts to serve on the Washington State Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SMAC).

The committee has two positions that will soon become vacant. One position is for a snowmobiler who lives in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Clallam, Jefferson or Island counties (Area 1). Another position is for an at-large candidate to represent non-motorized winter sports enthusiasts.

Nominations must be received by July 31. New appointments begin Oct. 1.

The SMAC is made up of six snowmobilers and three representatives from non-motorized winter sports. The committee also has one representative each from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Association of Counties. Also included is an ex-officio member from the Washington Department of Licensing.

The committee meets at least two weekends each year, once during the winter and once during the summer. The committee reviews vital issues and advises the Commission and its staff on program policy and funding priorities for snow removal, trail grooming, sanitation, education and enforcement. Members are appointed by the Commission and may serve up to two, three-year terms. Travel, lodging and meal costs for the meetings are reimbursed for members.

The Winter Recreation Program manages more than 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 300 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 120 Sno-Parks (plowed parking areas near snowmobile and cross-country ski trails). The Winter Recreation Program is supported entirely by user fees, snowmobile registrations and a percentage of the state fuel tax.

To send nominations or request an application, contact the Winter Recreation Program at winter@parks.wa.gov, P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service, (800) 833-6388. For more information on nominations, call (360) 902-8684.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

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